Rangers fans have strongly opposed the tournament
Rangers have confirmed that they will no longer participate in the inaugural Sydney Super Cup following widespread backlash from their supporters.
The Scottish side had initially confirmed that they would play in the tournament, which takes place in November, alongside fierce rivals Celtic as well as the two local sides Sydney FC and Sydney Western Wanderers.
Had the game taken place, it would've been the first time the Old Firm derby would have taken place outside of Glasgow but following strong opposition from supporters of the Ibrox club, Rangers have announced that they will no longer compete.
https://twitter.com/RangersFC/status/1509533012161175556
Rangers statement says they will not compete at the Sydney Super Cup
Rangers released a 44-word statement on their website confirming the decision which read: "Rangers can confirm the Club will not be participating in the Sydney Super Cup in November 2022.
"After it became clear the tournament organisers were unwilling to fulfil their commitments to Rangers, we have, with immediate effect, terminated the Club’s agreement with the organisers."
Reports from
Sky Sports have suggested that the decision was taken by the club as a result of the tournament organisers' failure to use the "Old Firm brand" as well as the timing of the tournament.
The title race hots up in Scotland
The two sides are set to meet this weekend at Ibrox as the race for the title in Scotland hots up.
Giovanni von Bronckhorst's side sit three points behind Celtic and know that anything other than a win could be detrimental in their hopes of retaining the Cinch Premiership.
Sunday's meeting is also the final game before the annual league split where the top six and bottom six are separated into two mini leagues.
It means that Celtic and Rangers will meet each other again one more time in the league before the end of the season, as well as facing each other in the Scottish Cup semi-final on April 17.
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